The Nurture Room
Teacher: Mrs Holmes
The Nurture Room is a warm, welcoming space within our school, designed to support children who may find aspects of school life challenging. It offers a calm, caring, and structured environment where children can grow emotionally, socially, and academically at their own pace.
Our Approach
We believe in "stage not age" – supporting children based on their individual development rather than chronological age. Every child is unique, and our teaching is tailored to meet their specific needs.
Key Objectives
- Support children with additional needs in a calm and structured setting.
- Promote emotional well-being, resilience, and self-regulation.
- Provide adaptations to the curriculum to make access easier.
- Foster positive relationships and social skills.
- Build confidence and independence in learning.
What We Do
- Deliver daily 1:1 teaching across all curriculum areas using an EYFS approach.
- Provide targeted interventions from external agencies.
- Use play-based learning, storytelling, music, and movement.
- Support toilet training respectfully and encouragingly.
- Offer intensive interaction to support communication.
- Use bucket therapy to develop attention and engagement.
- Support children with restricted diets and cutlery use.
- Use symbols and visual supports to aid communication.
- Maintain close links with nurseries for smooth transitions.
- Liaise with parents and carers to share progress and set goals.
- Work with an autism specialist to provide tailored strategies.
- Include children in wider school activities to build confidence.
Environment Features
- Calm and Cozy Spaces: Soft furnishings, sensory corners, and quiet zones.
- Visual Supports: Timetables, emotion charts, and communication boards.
- Flexible Learning Areas: Zones for play, focused tasks, and small group work.
- Sensory Resources: Weighted blankets, fidget toys, and sensory tools.
- Inclusive Materials: Resources adapted for different learning styles and abilities.
- Outdoor Learning: Garden area with mud kitchen and sensory circuit.
- Sensory Room: Accessed twice daily and as needed for calming sessions.
Curriculum Access
- Emphasis on personal, social, and emotional development (PSED).
- Bespoke topic-based curriculum using EYFS teaching style.
- Subjects taught through stories, poems, and hands-on activities.
- Small teaching groups for social interaction and gross motor development.
Monitoring and Progress
- Each child has a personalised support plan.
- Regular observations and assessments using Tapestry.
- Learning Journeys document progress across all sessions.
- Cherry Tree Branch Targets support academic achievements.
- Leuvan Scale is used to track emotional progress.
- Transition support for reintegration into the main classroom or next educational stage.
- Every achievement is celebrated to nurture confidence and pride.
The Nurture Room is a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where teaching is adapted to meet the developmental, emotional, and educational needs of each child. It’s a place where minds are nurtured, and every journey is celebrated.
